Actor Emraan Hashmi, who has dabbled in almost all genres and essayed a myriad of characters, has finally explained the reason why he wanted to play a villain.

Emraan was pitted against Salman Khan in the third instalment of the Tiger franchise, which is now streaming digitally.

Emraan said: “It is truly special when a film keeps giving you appreciation and respect again and again. This means that a film has made a place for itself in the books of time. It is amazing to have got so much love playing an anti-hero in Tiger 3.”

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He added: “I was sold on the idea to play a villain who as shrewd and cunning as he is powerful enough to take on an iconic hero like Tiger in a hand to hand combat. Aditya Chopra & Maneesh Sharma created a very unique anti-hero archetype for me to play with and make him my own.”

Emraan further shared: “I’m delighted that the audience gave me love when Tiger 3 was released in theatres and the film went on to become a big hit. Now, they are again pouring love on me when Tiger 3 is released on streaming. This is testimony to the fact that the film and its story and its characters have connected to the hearts of audiences.”

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Also starring superstars Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in lead roles, Tiger 3 is the fifth film from YRF Spy Universe, the biggest movie IP in India. All the films from YRF’s spy verse - Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan & Tiger 3 - have been blockbusters.